Gastroenterology CPT® 2014 Updates : Codes for Esophagoscopy, Upper EGDs, ERCP, Consultations

Stay alert to big changes for endoscopy, ablation, stent placement, ERCP and E/M

As we enter the new year, gastroenterology practices will have to really prepare well to report all the CPT® 2014 codes affecting their specialty. This will be even more challenging as 25% of the CPT® changes will impact gastroenterology practices this year!

Read through some of the major CPT® updates affecting gastroenterology: 

• Prepare the Ground for New Codes for Esophagoscopy and Upper EGDs

Descriptor change: The word ‘rigid’ was removed from the existing code range 43200-43232 (Esophagoscopy, rigid or flexible…) to introduce the word ‘transoral’ making this range specific for esophagoscopy procedures employing a flexible scope.

You’ll also have to be prepared for new codes for endoscopic mucosal resection, dilation, ablation, stent placement that includes:

43211: Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with endoscopic mucosal resection

43212: Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with placement of endoscopic stent (includes pre- and post-dilation and guide wire passage, when performed)

43213: Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with dilation of esophagus, by balloon or dilator, retrograde (includes fluoroscopic guidance, when performed)

43214: Esophagoscopy, flexible, transoral; with dilation of esophagus with balloon (30 mm diameter or larger) (includes fluoroscopic guidance, when performed)

• Check Out These Four New Interpersonal Codes

 CPT® 2014 introduces four new consultation codes that you’ll have to report when your gastroenterologist reviews and discuses a patient’s condition with a referring physician over telephone or online. The four new codes are:

•   99446 (Interprofessional telephone/Internet assessment and management service provided by a consultative physician including a verbal and written report to the patient’s treating/requesting physician or other qualified health care professional; 5-10 minutes of medical consultative discussion and review)
• 99447 (… 11-20 minutes of medical consultative discussion and review)
• 99448 (… 21-30 minutes of medical consultative discussion and review)
• 99449 (… 31 minutes or more of medical consultative discussion and review).